Indians Tidbits (2006 season)..

[NFBuck]

Just heard watching the Braves game that we dealt Hollandsworth to Cinci for a player to be named....meh, whatever.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/10/06

Starter's victory is rarity for Tribe

Defense plays key role in Westbrook's shutout

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Like many Indians starters, Jake Westbrook has performed well recently but has little to show for his efforts.
Either the bullpen has blown a lead, or the offense has sputtered, or someone -- sometimes a pitcher -- has failed to field his position.
Whatever the reason, wins have been hard to come by for the rotation. But now and then -- Wednesday night, for example -- the starter gets a break. Not only does he pitch well, but the Tribe also outscores the opponent.
This time it was Indians 4, Angels 0 at Jacobs Field.
As might be expected in a season in which not much makes sense for the Tribe, Westbrook's outing highlighted a couple of weird statistics, as they apply to the Tribe. For example: How does a pitching staff that ranks 10th in the American League with a 4.67 ERA have 11 shutouts (two for Westbrook), second only to Detroit's 13. And take a guess which club leads the league in complete games? That's right, the Indians with eight.
``They were aggressive with Jake early,'' Tribe manager Eric Wedge said of the Angels. ``They found some holes and hit some balls hard. But Jake started getting them off balance, mixing his pitches.''
Early in the game, Westbrook (9-7, 4.18 ERA) didn't appear to be in charge of anything except maybe his car keys. After retiring the first batter of the game, Chone Figgins, on an infield bouncer, he gave up three straight hits.
To Westbrook's credit, none of these hits helped the Angels score, because he picked off Maicer Izturis, who followed Figgins.
Orlando Cabrera and Vladimir Guerrero kept up the single attack in the first, but Joe Inglett, getting a start in left, robbed Garret Anderson of an RBI hit by making a diving catch of Anderson's shallow fly ball.
``I can't say enough about our defense,'' Westbrook said. ``That play by Joe set the tone.''
It's almost inevitable that a sinkerball pitcher will give up periodic hits. Westbrook knows that.
``I thought for a second I was going for that 15-hit record again,'' said Westbrook, the only major-league pitcher this year to give up that many hits in a game. ``Sinkerball pitchers have to learn to pitch with men on base, because some of those ground balls are going to find holes.''
Westbrook gave up two more singles in the second, but he induced Adam Kennedy to bounce into one of three Angels' double plays.
In the third, Westbrook was thumped for two more singles, but the Angels couldn't produce a two-out hit to dent the scoreboard.
Shortstop Jhonny Peralta made a diving catch of a line drive to keep Westbrook out of trouble in the fourth, and another double play erased the only baserunner of the sixth.
``The defense was outstanding,'' Wedge said, ``and Jake got more efficient as the game wore on. Sinkerball pitchers are going to give up hits. That's why it's so important to make the plays.''
As the game went on, Westbrook got better. Although he prides himself on throwing pitches that end up as ground balls, he struck out the side in the seventh and amassed seven strikeouts in the game. Eleven ground balls added up to 14 Angels outs, thanks to the double plays.
And because Westbrook issued only one walk, giving up nine hits was no big deal. Moreover, he did not allow an extra-base hit.
John Lackey (10-8, 3.33 ERA) currently is the Angels' most reliable starter, having entered the game with a 6-2 record in his past eight starts. But he lost to the Indians on July 19 in Anaheim, Calif., and managed to duplicate the feat Wednesday night.
His downfall was a three-run third that began with the first of three singles by Victor Martinez. Peralta advanced Martinez to third with a double, and Shin-Soo Choo singled home the first run of the game.
Choo already has produced several important RBI hits, and getting his team on the scoreboard ranks in that category.
``That is definitely is something important, to get that first run,'' Wedge said. ``Every club wants to jump on the opponent.''
Hector Luna walked, and Ryan Garko's sacrifice fly to the track in right brought home the second run. One out later, Grady Sizemore beat out a bouncer to short, and Izturis threw the ball away, allowing Choo to score on the error.
Martinez is 7-for-16 against Lackey in his career, but he maintains it was just one of those nights for him.
``He is not an easy pitcher to hit,'' Martinez said. ``I think we had a pretty good approach and got a couple of good pitches to hit, but he's smart. He really knows what he's doing. It's not that I'm good against him.''

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/10/06

Notebook

Hollandsworth traded for player to be named

Deal sends outfielder to Reds. Tribe calls up Gutierrez from Buffalo

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Todd Hollandsworth leaves the Indians' nest, Franklin Gutierrez returns.
It's all part of the rebuilding process -- correction, retooling process -- for a team that began Wednesday 28 games out of first place. Hollandsworth, an outfielder, was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named on or before Feb. 9.
The Tribe might get cash instead, but it appears the Reds will eventually send a player Cleveland's way. Hollandsworth (.237, six homers, 27 RBI, 156 at-bats) was a spare part that a contending team might find of value.
To the Reds, Hollandsworth can be useful. With the Indians, he was standing in the way of evaluating Gutierrez, who has a chance to be part of next year's roster.
``This is a chance to get Gutierrez up here a little early,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ``And it's good for Todd, because he gets a chance to be in the playoffs.''
Gutierrez didn't know he was coming to Cleveland until just before noon Wednesday and arrived from Buffalo an hour before the game. He was told by Wedge to wait his turn, but that he would receive an opportunity to play any of the three outfield positions.
``This is a business, and they have to make some decisions,'' said Gutierrez, sounding more like a general manager than a player. ``They know what they're doing, and I don't really have anything to say about it.''
Gutierrez has spent most of the season in Triple-A, where he batted .281 with seven homers and 32 RBI. He also had a team-high 26 doubles and scored 58 runs in 320 at-bats.
He was called up earlier this year and batted .258 with four doubles, four RBI and 11 runs in 20 games.
``This could be a very good chance for me,'' Gutierrez said. ``They've called me up twice this year, so I think maybe they want me here. But when they put their eyes on you, you have to show what you can do. I only hope I make the team next year.''
The pecking order
With a reshuffling of the outfield corps, who is in and who is trying to get in?
Grady Sizemore and Jason Michaels will play most of the time. Casey Blake will be on the disabled list for at least four weeks and probably more, so for now, he's out of the picture.
And what of Shin-Soo Choo, Gutierrez, Hector Luna and Joe Inglett, who started in left Wednesday night?
``We want to see Choo continue to play,'' Wedge said.
Choo will be the other regular, or at least semi-regular. He will play mostly against right-handers, and Wedge will ``pick his spots'' against lefties.
More action?
There aren't many Cleveland players left who might be traded, possibly Aaron Boone and Guillermo Mota. So what are the chances for another minor deal?
``There's always that possibility,'' Wedge said.
``But there's not much more we can do.''
Lest we forget
A day-night, separate-admission doubleheader is coming up at Jacobs Field on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals.
That means an extra starter will be needed. C.C. Sabathia is scheduled to pitch the 1 p.m. game. Wedge is reluctant to name a starter for the nightcap this early, but admits he has made his choice.
More than likely, Jeremy Guthrie will be summoned from Buffalo to start the 7 p.m. game.
Farm facts
Ben Francisco had three hits, including his 14th homer, Jason Dubois went deep for the 20th time and Kevin Kouzmanoff also homered in Buffalo's 12-9 win over Ottawa. Kouzmanoff was promoted to Triple-A less than two weeks ago, but is batting .313 with four home runs and three doubles in eight games.... Luis Valdes gave up one unearned run and two hits in seven innings, but Mahoning Valley lost to State College 3-2 in Class A.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/10/06

INDIANS NOTEBOOK

Indians give Garko opportunity to show that he’s a player

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Scott Priestle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CLEVELAND — During his first two stints with the Indians, Ryan Garko was mostly a spectator, watching from the bench and waiting for a pinch-hitting opportunity that rarely arrived.
Now that first baseman Casey Blake is on the disabled list, nursing a sprained right ankle that could keep him out for the next month, Garko is the latest youngster to get a chance to play his way into the team’s plans for 2007. And it comes at a time when he is enduring the most significant slump of his professional career:
A .300 hitter during his first 3 1 /2 seasons, he hit only .216 for triple-A Buffalo in the past 2 1/2 months.
"I wish I knew why," he said. "It hasn’t been work ethic, I know that. At times I think I’ve been trying to raise my average, which is something you can’t do. I’ve just been in a slump and I haven’t snapped out of it. No excuses. I’m still confident in my ability to hit — there, here, anywhere."
Garko said he has watched video of his at-bats with double-A Akron in 2004, when he hit .331 in 43 games and stamped himself as one of the best hitting prospects in the organization.
"Everything was so small and soft and easy," he said. "This year, it has been harder, like I’m forcing it, and you can’t do that. You can’t try harder."
Indians manager Eric Wedge said Garko will get significant playing time at first base, but not necessarily as much as Blake, who was playing there every day against right-handed pitchers (with Victor Martinez playing there against lefties). General manager Mark Shapiro said it is "an opportunity for Ryan to make a statement."
Garko said, "I know I can hit .300. It’s just a tough game."
Gutierrez gets the call

The Indians traded away another spare part, sending backup outfielder Todd Hollandsworth to the Cincinnati Reds yesterday for a player to be named or cash. Franklin Gutierrez was recalled from Buffalo, giving the Indians 10 rookies on the 25-man roster.
Wedge said Gutierrez will see "miscellaneous time" in all three outfield positions. It figures to be his future with the Indians, now that Shin-Soo Choo has grabbed hold of right field.
"When they put their eyes on you, you have to show what you have," Gutierrez said. "I’m here now."
He was 17 for 66 (.258) in 20 games with the Indians earlier this season.
The Indians have until Feb. 9 to decide whether they want a player or cash from the Reds, and to negotiate the player. The Reds will pay the remainder of Hollandsworth’s salary and any performance bonuses.
[email protected]

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

The Indians have until Feb. 9 to decide whether they want a player or cash from the Reds, and to negotiate the player.

I vote they elect to use it for balls, bats and other equipment.. and another coach.. that will hit ground balls to these guys 24X7...

 

[exhawg]

I wonder what teams that are still in the playoff hunt think when they have to play the Indians? They have sucked this year for the most part, but they still have most of the parts that helped them win 93 games last year. When the Indians get their asses in gear they are capable of scoring 10+ runs or winning a 4-0 game like last night. They have 4 starting pitchers capable of shutting down an offense when they are on. I watched the game last night and all I could think was: Why can't they play like this every night? Last week they were 2 blown saves away from sweeping the BoSox for 4 games. This team has so much potential I just want to see them be more consistent.

 

[redskinbucksfan]

I wonder what teams that are still in the playoff hunt think when they have to play the Indians? They have sucked this year for the most part, but they still have most of the parts that helped them win 93 games last year. When the Indians get their asses in gear they are capable of scoring 10+ runs or winning a 4-0 game like last night. They have 4 starting pitchers capable of shutting down an offense when they are on. I watched the game last night and all I could think was: Why can't they play like this every night? Last week they were 2 blown saves away from sweeping the BoSox for 4 games. This team has so much potential I just want to see them be more consistent.

Such is the case w/ young players. That's why we will have to sit back and take some lumps as this year closes out. Good audition/ experience for the young guys. We have a tantalizing amount of good young pitching, but we need a serious defensive overhaul or the young pitchers will get demoralized.

 

[NFBuck]

I wonder what teams that are still in the playoff hunt think when they have to play the Indians? They have sucked this year for the most part, but they still have most of the parts that helped them win 93 games last year. When the Indians get their asses in gear they are capable of scoring 10+ runs or winning a 4-0 game like last night. They have 4 starting pitchers capable of shutting down an offense when they are on. I watched the game last night and all I could think was: Why can't they play like this every night? Last week they were 2 blown saves away from sweeping the BoSox for 4 games. This team has so much potential I just want to see them be more consistent.

This is what I've been saying all year, and it's not happening. Everytime we get a nice win, they hack up an 8-4 loss to follow it up. A young team needs solid coaching to mold them into consistent winners, and this team is seriously lacking in that department.

 

[tsteele316]

This is what I've been saying all year, and it's not happening. Everytime we get a nice win, they hack up an 8-4 loss to follow it up. A young team needs solid coaching to mold them into consistent winners, and this team is seriously lacking in that department.

the problem is that westbrook, lee and sabathia aren't young pitchers anymore. Neither is Betancourt in the pen. However, they all have been woefully inconsistent this season, as has the whole team. A starting 5 of CC, Jake, Lee, Byrd, and Sowers isn't bad at all, when they are on. However, they all have been far too up and down. Sowers I expect it from, the rest need to be more consistent.

I see that Shapiro has stated that they are going to dole out some cash to fix the pen in the offseason. That's a start. However, I would state that if they are going to go with Marte at 3rd, and a platoon of Inglett/Luna at 2nd, and Choo in right, they need to get a power bat (Carlos Lee), to play left. Or, they need to get a bat to play first, and put Blake in the OF again.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/11/06

Indians keep hits coming

Beleaguered bullpen gets break as Tribe lineup punishes Angels' pitchers

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - The Indians found a way to ease the pressure on their fragile bullpen Thursday night. Keep scoring until it hurts.
The hurt was felt in the very first inning of the Tribe's 14-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels at Jacobs Field.
On the fifth pitch of the first inning by Los Angeles starter Ervin Santana, Jason Michaels drilled a line drive that struck the pitcher on the inside of the left knee.
Santana (12-6, 4.14 ERA) fell to the dirt writhing in pain, but after a time was able to walk to the dugout without much help. He was taken to Lutheran Hospital, where X-rays revealed a bruise. He is listed as day-to-day.
``Hopefully, Santana is OK,'' Tribe manager Eric Wedge said. ``It was good to see him walk off on his own. He is an outstanding young pitcher.''
The injury to Santana foreshadowed a painful evening for the rest of the Angels and served to take the heat off Cleveland's much-maligned relief corps.
Though unintended by the offense, the message was clear after the Indians sent 11 batters to the plate in the seven-run fourth inning: ``Let's see you blow this lead!''
There were so many Tribe hits (17), including eight for extra bases, it's difficult to single out any. However, Travis Hafner's drive over the left-field wall to lead off the seventh established a career high of 34 home runs in a season.
Hafner drove in single runs with a double and a ground out to give him three RBI for the game and to raise his season total to 97, the third most in the American League.
Speaking of milestones, the victory enabled the Indians to win consecutive games for the first time since July 3-4 against the Yankees.
Cliff Lee (10-8, 4.64 ERA) was overjoyed to be pitching with a 10-run lead after three innings.
``I definitely would rather pitch with a lead than without a lead,'' he said. ``It takes a lot of the pressure off, makes you be aggressive. There's a lot less to worry about, so it was nice.''
During the first half of the schedule, there were frequent games in which the Tribe attack cut loose with double-digit run totals. But it hasn't happened nearly as often since the All-Star Game. And with several rookies and near-rookies in the lineup -- plus a disabling injury to Casey Blake -- the offensive fireworks have diminished.
But as soon as Michaels forced Santana to the sidelines, the Tribe began taking apart the Angels' bullpen.
Kevin Gregg replaced Santana with one out and Michaels on first and proceeded to give up three runs in three innings. J.C. Romero followed him to to the mound and was thrashed for six runs in one-third of an inning.
Michaels kept hitting the ball hard all night. In addition to his first-inning single, he doubled two runs home in the fourth, then doubled and scored in the fifth.
After a while, it seemed as if the Indians could do nothing else but amass doubles, collecting six in all. Finally, Ryan Garko broke the pattern in the sixth inning by powering a long fly that sailed over the center field fence for his first major-league home run.
Garko also doubled with the bases loaded in the fourth to give him four RBI in the game.
``It feels good to hit the home run,'' Garko said, ``but I'm happier about yesterday, getting my first win in the big leagues. That's something I'll never forget.''
Shin-Soo Choo continued his torrid hitting with two singles, a double and three RBI. One of his hits came against a lefty, which is allegedly his Achilles' heel.
Lee worked seven solid innings, giving up both runs on nine hits and no walks.
``I was pleased the way things went,'' he said. ``I finally finished a game strong. That's the first time in a while.''
Added Wedge, ``I thought it was important for Cliff to get through the seventh. And it was important that he got stronger as the game went on.''
For the first time since he blew his third save in as many attempts last Saturday in Detroit, Fausto Carmona took the mound to relieve Lee and continued to have problems.
Choo saved him in the eighth with a tough catch with runners on second and third. Carmona also gave up two hits in the ninth but emerged unscathed.
``Fausto looked like he was more in control,'' Wedge said. ``He had all three pitches working pretty good.''
Joe Inglett left the game after the sixth inning with a sprained left ankle. He is day-to-day.
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ABJ

8/11/06

Choo stepping up quickly for Tribe

Rookie outfielder doing all the right things so far

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Except for an apparent problem hitting left-handers, Shin-Soo Choo has done it all for the Indians.
Granted, Choo has been on the team only since July 26, when he arrived in the trade that sent Ben Broussard to Seattle.
But going into Thursday night's game against the Angels, Choo had played in 10 games for the Tribe and was batting .387 with two home runs, nine RBI and several alert defensive plays in right field.
``You don't expect any young player to perform the way he has,'' manager Eric Wedge said. ``He's been tremendous.''
And if Choo continues to struggle against lefties, that's fine, too.
``We're not putting any limitations on Choo, but you have to take into consideration how many right-handers he will face (as a platoon outfielder). We have complementary players to use against left-handers. Of course, a lot depends on what we do in the offseason.''
Choo has shown much more polish than one would expect from a 24-year-old rookie from Korea who had played in only 14 major-league games before coming to Cleveland.
``He pays attention to the game,'' Wedge said. ``He definitely is a student of baseball.''
That might be a result of the emphasis his high school put on the game.
``They were long days,'' Choo said. ``We used to sleep in school. Our moms would make food and bring it in.
``You woke up at 5 a.m. and stretching would be at 6. They would have lunch at noon, and we'd be back on the field from 1 to 5. After that, we'd have dinner and go out on the field again at 8 at night until 10 or 10:30.''
Pusan High School obviously took baseball seriously, but even the team at Choo's middle school practiced four hours a day.
``Not all high schools were like ours,'' Choo said. ``But our school was like the New York Yankees of high schools. People knew about us everywhere in Korea.''
Soon after Choo completed high school, he was drafted by the Lotte Giants, who play in his hometown. They were willing to give him $350,000 as their first pick, but Choo wasn't interested.
``I told them not to draft me, that I would never come,'' he said. ``I already signed with Seattle (for a reported $1.6 million). Even if the Giants give me $100 million, I wasn't going to play. I wanted to play in the U.S.''
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ABJ

8/11/06

NOTEBOOK

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Mota may be released; Guthrie to get call-up
Don't be surprised if Guillermo Mota is released in the next day or two.
General Manager Mark Shapiro has tried to move Mota, but no team has been willing to take him. A sign of the Tribe's disinterest in him: Mota hasn't pitched since July 24.
IT'S (SEMI) OFFICIAL -- Jeremy Guthrie will be summoned from Buffalo to start the second game of Saturday's day-night, separate-admission doubleheader against Kansas City.
``It's probably Jeremy, but we won't know for sure until Saturday,'' manager Eric Wedge said.
FIRST STEP -- For the first time since he sprained his ankle last weekend, Casey Blake was permitted to put a little weight on his right foot on Thursday. He is still wearing a protective boot and using crutches.
Blake found out quickly that the bulky boot can be a hindrance.
``I tried to drive with it on, but that didn't work,'' he said.
RECOMMENDATION -- Angels pitching coach Bud Black, a former Tribe starter, liked what he saw of Jeremy Sowers on Tuesday night.
``I'd never seen him before,'' Black said. ``It looks like he has a real idea of what to do out there, like he's a pretty smart kid. He didn't really have his curveball working, but I could see if he has all three pitches going, he can be very tough.''
And one other thing: ``Some guys have said he reminds them of me,'' Black said, smiling.
FARM FACTS -- Charles Lofgren (15-5, 2.35 ERA) gave up four runs and six hits in Class-A Kinston's 5-4 win over Myrtle Beach.... Mike Butia had three hits, but Lake County dropped a 5-4 decision to Augusta in Single-A.... Joshua Tomlin (5-1, 2.25 ERA) allowed three runs in five innings, as Class-A Mahoning Valley beat Jamestown 8-5.

-- Sheldon Ocker​

​

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/11/06

INDIANS NOTEBOOK

Peralta working to improve his range at shortstop

Friday, August 11, 2006

Scott Priestle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

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CLEVELAND — Indians shortstop Jhonny Peralta has spent many an afternoon on the field, fielding ground balls while his teammates lounge in the clubhouse. He plans to hire a personal trainer this winter while he is home in the Dominican Republic, to help him lose a few pounds and improve his quickness.
"I want to play my whole life at shortstop," he said. "That’s what I want to be. I know I need to work hard."
In a roundabout way, Peralta believes this season has helped secure his future at shortstop.
He struggled in the first half of the season and drew criticism from club officials for what appeared to be declining range. So in recent months, he has worked with infield coach Luis Rivera to develop a pre-pitch routine, anticipate contact and make a moredecisive first step, which should help him reach more balls.
At the start of play yesterday, Peralta had a .975 fielding percentage, up from .970 last season. He had not made an error in the previous 22 games. His zone rating is down slightly from last season but still ranks in the top half of major-league shortstops.
"I feel right on everything," he said. "I’m trying to do the best I can. I know this year is tough, but I feel better than last year."
He believes fans have been quick to criticize his defense because he has struggled offensively. After batting .292 with a .521 slugging percentage last season, he entered last night batting .252 with a .385 slugging percentage.
"Never in my life (have) I felt like this year — a lot of losses, a lot of mental errors," Peralta said.
You’re with me , leather

While he has struggled at the plate, rookie Andy Marte has impressed with a steady hand at third base, making plays behind the bag and in the hole. He turned a slow roller into a double play Wednesday.
"He plays with confidence over there," manager Eric Wedge said.
Combined with Peralta’s recent improvement, it has shored up the left side of the infield, which was an obvious weakness in the first half of the season. It is no small matter, considering Jake Westbrook, C.C. Sabathia, Paul Byrd and Jeremy Sowers are primarily ground-ball pitchers.
In the weeks before his promotion from triple-A Buffalo, Marte worked daily with Ted Kubiak, the organization’s roving defensive instructor. He was on the field early yesterday, along with Rivera, Peralta and first baseman Ryan Garko.
"My first step was slow," Marte said. "Right now, I’m getting to balls I didn’t think I could get to before."
[email protected]

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/12/06

Last at-bat goes Tribe's way

Sizemore hits three-run triple in bottom of ninth for win

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - The Indians have been involved in lots of last-inning decisions lately.
Unfortunately for them, in five of the previous 11 games, the Tribe has been forced to swallow bitter defeat as opponents used their last at-bat to win the game.
But maybe the Indians learned something in the process, because Grady Sizemore lashed a one-out, ninth-inning triple with the bases loaded to sink the Kansas City Royals 4-3 Friday night at Jacobs Field.
``It wears you out when you get beat in the last inning,'' said starter Paul Byrd, who pitched eight innings but did not get the decision. ``So it was nice to be on the other end of that.
``The fans were tremendous. We're out of it, and it's tough to say that. But the fans came out and cheered us like we were right in the fight for the playoffs.''
The trouble for Royals closer Ambiorix Burgos began when Ryan Garko and Ramon Vazquez singled with one out.
Aaron Boone pinch hit for Andy Marte and took a walk to load the bases for Sizemore, who hit a drive the opposite way to left. The ball hit the bottom of the wall near the foul line and bounced away from David Dejesus.
``Grady did a great job with that pitch,'' Tribe manager Eric Wedge said. ``But you have to look at everybody that inning. Garko got us going, Vazquez punched that ball through and Boone put up a great at-bat.''
The winning run would have scored had Sizemore stopped at second, but he steamed into third ahead of a throw.
``I had a little adrenaline going,'' Sizemore said, beginning to smile. ``I wanted to get there as fast as I could to join the celebration.''
Sizemore has a history of success against Burgos. Including the triple, Sizemore is 5-for-9 with two home runs and six RBI against the hard-throwing right-hander.
``It's a limited number of at-bats,'' Sizemore said. ``But I think you take that and use it to get your confidence against a guy.''
The Indians have won three games in a row for the first time since July 2-4 against the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees.
Byrd did what he was supposed to do, holding the Royals to three runs. The fact he gave up 10 hits was mitigated by his stinginess with walks. He yielded only two, one intentional.
Visiting Byrd was his former coach at Louisiana State University, Skip Bertman, now the athletic director at the school.
``I wanted to bring him up here,'' Byrd said. ``We're still fighting about the airfare, but I'm hoping I win and pay.''
Byrd became vulnerable in the Royals' two-run fifth, when he allowed five consecutive singles. The first didn't hurt Byrd. After Angel Berroa beat out an infield hit, the pitcher picked him off for the second out of the inning.
That should have provided Byrd with the impetus to get out No. 3. But before he did, Joe Gathright, Dejesus, Mark Grudzielanek and Mark Teahen all singled to push the Royals' lead to 3-0.
``I was real excited that Eric left me in for the eighth,'' Byrd said. ``He asked me if I was OK, but he knew what I was going to say.''
There might be a rational explanation for Adam Bernero's success against the Tribe, but the operative phrase probably is, ``Every squirrel finds an acorn now and then.''
Bernero came into the game with a career record as a starter of 3-21 with a 6.60 ERA. Yet the Royals signed him to a minor-league contract July 12 after he was released by the Philadelphia Phillies.
His only other start of 2006 came when he was with the Phillies and was not quite as successful as his 5 2/3-inning stint Friday night. In an 8-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on June 20, Bernero gave up eight runs, seven hits and two walks in two innings.
Bernero arrived at Jacobs Field from Triple-A Omaha only hours before his scheduled start. That certainly didn't seem to bother him, as he gave up one run, seven hits and no walks.
Regardless of the pitcher's ragged credentials, Wedge gave Bernero full credit.
``He had that little split-change giving us fits,'' the manager said. ``He really did a great job. We had opportunities with the right people up there, but we couldn't capitalize. For the most part, he just kept us down.''
The Indians did not score until the sixth, when Jason Michaels led off with his second double of the game, watched Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez strike out, then scored on Shin-Soo Choo's double.
A word about Hafner's strikeout. The third strike was so far inside that catcher Paul Bako almost strained his left shoulder reaching for the ball, yet umpire Larry Young saw fit to ring up Hafner on the pitch.
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[OSUBasketballJunkie]

ABJ

8/12/06

Indians report

Indians give up on Mota

Reliever is designated for assignment by team

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - It seemed like a good idea at the time.
To consummate the winter deal for Coco Crisp, the Boston Red Sox offered to pay all but $700,000 of Guillermo Mota's $3 million salary in addition to giving the Indians Andy Marte and Kelly Shoppach.
Yet there was a strange scenario surrounding the Mota transaction.
Tribe operatives were wary of the condition of Mota's right elbow after a physical. General Manager Mark Shapiro was ready to call the deal off before Boston sweetened the pot with cash.
Two days after the trade was all but dead, not only was the deal on, but Mota also was pronounced Cleveland's setup man.
But it never worked out, and Mota was designated for assignment Friday, which means the Tribe will trade or release him in the next 10 days.
Mota leaves with a 1-3 record and 6.21 ERA in 34 appearances.
``It wasn't for lack of effort,'' manager Eric Wedge said of Mota's inability to get good results. ``He worked his tail off.
``Guillermo was the consummate professional right up until today. He just wasn't able to get the job done. The stuff was there, but he didn't have the command.''
Why give Mota the setup job two days after he almost killed the trade with the Red Sox?
``When he was healthy, he had some great years as a setup man,'' Wedge said.
``We felt if he was healthy, he could do that job for us. It just didn't happen. That's the kind of year it's been for him and for us.''
Mota's elbow never was an issue with the Tribe.
``The physical side was our biggest concern initially,'' Wedge said.
``But we had a program for him, and he stuck to it.''
Wedge doesn't believe the acquisition of Mota was a mistake in player evaluation.
``I don't think we misjudged anything,'' the manager said. ``You see (what happened with) a guy who has his velocity and his stuff, and it just makes you scratch your head. For whatever reason, it didn't work out for him.''
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ABJ

8/12/06

INDIANS NOTEBOOK

<!-- begin body-content -->CLEVELAND - Tribe calls Vazquez
back up from Buffalo
To fill the roster spot vacated by Guillermo Mota, the Indians recalled utility infielder Ramon Vazquez from Buffalo.
Vazquez was in the lineup at second base because of Joe Inglett's sprained left foot.
This is Vazquez's third stint with the Tribe this year. He is batting .206 with one home run and eight RBI in 28 games. At Triple-A, he batted .241 with two homers and nine RBI in 23 games.
PROGRESS REPORT -- Manager Eric Wedge was hoping Inglett would ``be available'' to play in today's day-night, separate-admission doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals.
Head trainer Lonnie Soloff described Inglett's injury as a sprain to the ligament that attaches to the navicular bone in the left foot. Inglett is being treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
ANOTHER MOVE COMING -- The Tribe will have to create a roster spot for Jeremy Guthrie, who is scheduled to start the nightcap of the doubleheader with Kansas City.
That could mean Vazquez will be sent back to Buffalo, though Inglett's condition also plays into this equation.
``We have to work off Joe and see where he is tomorrow morning,'' Wedge said.
Right now, the Tribe has 11 pitchers instead of the normal complement of 12.
THE NEXT STEP -- According to Soloff, Casey Blake's sprained ankle will be evaluated by doctors on Tuesday, at which time the hope is he can lose the protective boot and the crutches.
TRIVIA CENTRAL -- According to Elias Sports Bureau, Shin-Soo Choo is one of two American League rookies to have three hits in consecutive games this year. The other is the Baltimore Orioles' Nick Markakis.
FARM FACTS -- Thomas Cowley (1-0, 1.50 ERA) gave up one run in six innings, as Kinston edged Myrtle Beach 3-2 in the first game of a doubleheader. In the second game, Stephen Head hit his 12th home run but Kinston suffered a 7-5 loss.... Joshua Rodriguez had two triples and four RBI in Mahoning Valley's 8-7 win over Jamestown.... Alan Brech (1-2, 3.22 ERA) delivered six scoreless innings,in Burlington's 9-3 win over Greeneville.

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

8/13/06

INDIANS 5-6 ROYALS 4-5

Indians feeling good about winning streak

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Scott Priestle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

<!--PHOTOS--><TABLE class=phototableright align=right border=0><!-- begin large ad code --><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE align=center><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle>

</IMG> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=credit width=200>MARK DUNCAN ASSOCIATED PRESS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=cutline width=200>Indians players Aaron Boone, left, Ryan Garko, back, Grady Sizemore and Victor Martinez, right, congratulate Travis Hafner after his ninth-inning, two-out single won the first game. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


CLEVELAND — The Indians will not be able to carry over any wins to next season, but the less-tangible victories will be as valuable in October, December and March as they are now. And in that regard, optimism is slowly growing inside the home clubhouse at Jacobs Field.
"I like our team," designated hitter Travis Hafner said after driving in the decisive run in a 5-4 win over the Kansas City Royals yesterday afternoon. "It looks like we’re heading in the right direction."
A couple of last-at-bat wins, even if they come against the lowly Royals, will cultivate such confidence.
Hafner’s game-ending single in the ninth inning, which drove in Hector Luna, gave the Indians walk-off wins in consecutive games and four straight wins overall.
They stretched the winning streak to five with another dramatic win, 6-5, in the second game of a day-night doubleheader.
Grady Sizemore, who drove in the winning runs in the ninth Friday, hit a home run off lefthander Jimmy Gobble in the eighth to tie the score at 5 in the second game. Jason Michaels reached on an error, and Hafner lined a double into the gap in right-center field to deliver the deciding run.
Rookie catcher Kelly Shoppach hit a three-run home run and threw out three base runners, including Reggie Sanders in the ninth. Rookie reliever Tom Mastny was strong for three innings, and Brian Sikorski got the final four outs.
"It says a lot about these young players," manager Eric Wedge said. "They give themselves opportunities. They fight, they’re getting better, and multiple people have stepped up. It’s great to see."
The five-game winning streak is the Tribe’s longest since a six-game streak in early April.
It follows a seven-game trip through Boston and Detroit in which the Indians held a lead in the eighth or ninth inning of six games. Although they lost four of those, they took solace in the fact that they played well in all facets except the bullpen, and young players such as Shin-Soo Choo, Ryan Garko and Jeremy Sowers have played well.
It seems the young players have added a necessary energy.
"You can sense we’re having a little more fun," Michaels said.
Said Hafner: "The main thing is that guys play hard. It seems like winning is on everybody’s mind. We’re doing the little things better — moving guys over, hitting and running, and the defense has been better lately."
The defense was alternately shaky and sterling in the ninth inning of the opener. Garko failed to scoop a throw in the dirt at first base and Luna booted a routine bouncer at second, which opened the door to a three-run Royals rally to tie the score at 4. Michaels then saved at least two runs by making a running catch along the warning track.
"That was really the ballgame," Wedge said.
Luna walked to begin the bottom of the ninth, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Aaron Boone and later scored on Hafner’s single.
"Winning is like a magic potion," Hafner said. "It cures a whole lot of stuff. Walk-off wins are great. Everybody gets excited, the fans are into it. It can build excitement in the clubhouse."
[email protected]

Dispatch

8/13/06

INDIANS NOTEBOOK
Indians searching for answer at closer
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Scott Priestle
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
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CLEVELAND — The Indians used three pitchers in the ninth innings yesterday. It could be a sign of things to come.
Jason Davis and Rafael Betancourt failed to protect a three-run lead in the ninth in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals. The Indians won it in the bottom of the ninth, 5-4.
Because neither pitcher is accustomed to working the ninth inning, much less pitching the ninth twice in the same day, manager Eric Wedge left Brian Sikorski in the second game, and the 31-year-old journeyman closed out a 6-5 win.
"I’ve pitched in that position before over the years," said Sikorski, who was a closer at times in Japan and earlier this season in triple-A. "I’m a hyper guy as it is. I’m always trying to calm myself down and make sure I make my pitches."
Wedge was quick to point out that Davis or Betancourt likely would have pitched the ninth if either had not pitched in the opening game. Still, it is a sign of the times that Wedge turned to a reliever who has been waived twice and spent five seasons overseas.
Former closer Bob Wickman converted 15 of 18 save opportunities. All other Indians relievers are 1 of 17.
Davis got no help from his defense. First baseman Ryan Garko was unable to scoop a throw in the dirt, and second baseman Hector Luna booted a grounder.
"I lost my focus after a couple of hitters," Davis said. "I started overthrowing instead of making my pitches."
On the move

The Indians made two roster moves so Jeremy Guthrie could start the nightcap.
Between games, infielder Ramon Vazquez was designated for assignment to make room on the roster. The Indians have 10 days to trade or release Vazquez.
Guthrie allowed six walks and four runs in 4 2 /3 innings, then was optioned back to triple-A Buffalo. Reliever Andrew Brown will be promoted from Buffalo today.
Hit and run

C.C. Sabathia has allowed only two earned runs in 23 innings over his past three starts, while striking out 24. At one point yesterday, he retired 13 straight and 20 of 21. ... Kelly Shoppach hit an opposite-field home run into a stiff wind in the nightcap, driving a change-up from Jorge De La Rosa to right field. "The guys said the wind was blowing out on that pitch," Shoppach said with a smile. ... The Indians sold veteran minor-league catcher Einar Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
[email protected]

 

[exhawg]

6 in a row for the Tribe!!! That might be the first time this season. Even though they are out of it this season how great would it be to see them finish as strong as they did last season? A good finish would help them come out strong next year IMO. IMO any pitcher other than Byrd can go out there and throw a great game on any given day. Let's see how the next 3 games go against the Twins.